The birds are basically above Texas (unless they moved them). So get the wire outside in that direction. You need the phone and 2 coax for TiVos so that 1.) you can watch one thing while you record another, and 2.) so that it can download the guide information. Sat dishes are only one way, and the box has to call and tell it to send down the info. At least this is what I have been told.

I will not pre-wire to the roof unless it is my only option. My dad was a roofer, and I do not want to take the responsiblity of causing a leak. Most dishes in my area are mounted to the house. You may also want to check with the homeowners assocaition, or the city/county you are in for any regulations dealing with placement of dishes and antennas.

It uploads billing info for PPV through the phone line.

Gives the ability to have called id displayed on the TV screen

Helps cut down on piracy. (Cant have a 2nd box at your girlfriends house across town and still have it show the same ph#)

If they're building this house, look for a landscaping plan to see if any trees are planned for that big open patch of sky that is clear right now.

I didn't see it, (mabye I missed it) Make sure you run solid bare copper NOT copper clad RG-6. I know with Wild Blue (satillite internet) and the new DTV MPEG-4 want this because Copper clad has a greater voltage drop than bare copper.